THE BUSINESS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The 128th Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) will take place online over 10 days, from October 15 to October 24, and overseas exhibitors are being invited to join in via the fair's International Pavilion.
Covid-19 has seen many international trade shows canceled or postponed, with international travel regulations and quarantine rules making it difficult to attend overseas events and conferences. A virtual exhibition isn't new to the Canton Fair, with its first digital events taking place in June.
Describing what it's like to participate in a digital trade show, Khaled Ramzy, Overseas Export Director of Fresh, an Egyptian home appliance company, said that "It was a valuable learning experience that showcased the potential for intelligent, efficient trade negotiation using digital technology. The way of displaying products, communicating, and consulting on orders is very different from physical trade fairs. Buyers and suppliers need to gradually shift to a digital-first mindset to adapt to the new market context."
Mr Ramzy also said that "This pandemic has shown us that the world is tightly connected and everything can be achieved with a few taps of a button. Distance, language, time zones, and transportation costs are gradually disappearing".
The online international trade fair will be powered by Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing, with the organisers saying that some of the virtual exhibition features will include online product promotion and business negotiations, scene simulations and online business card exchanges. Exhibitors will also be able to promote their products through digital formats, such as such as photos, videos, 3D displays, and eve VR booths.
If you're interested in registering for the event, go to impexhibitor.cantonfair.org.cn.
© The Exporter 2019-2021